Only just recovering from the Xmas break which we spent in New York and already Valentines Day is almost upon us.

It seriously has taken this long to get over, going back to work actually felt relaxing after 2 weeks of what I can only describe as ‘mania’ in NYC. It really is an amazing city but totally exhausting – resident New Yorkers must be super human to keep up those energy levels on a full time basis. The streets of Manhattan are busy 24/7, with droves of people heading in all directions constantly and the shops are packed to the point where you have to hold hands and form a chain so you don’t get swept away in the crowds.

In Macy’s it was a case of ‘keep phones on, and meet at Starbucks on the first floor’ when (not if) we get separated. Trying to actually buy something is quite frustrating, queues are long and checkouts undermanned. We stood in a queue in the Ralph Lauren children’s section in Macy’s for 45 minutes – despite the fact that there was only 4 people in front of us. The two checkout girls just chatted between themselves, the lady being served at the time was on the phone for 15 minutes describing to someone what she was about to buy and asking for advice on whether to actually buy it, whilst ourselves and the rest of the queue just stood and waited. The checkout girls were so chilled – despite people calling out to them and complaining, they just carried on chatting and waiting for the customer to finish her phone call. This scenario seems typical in NY, very slow laid back service and lots of queuing.

Apart from the shopping, we had a truly fantastic time – seeing the Xmas light displays everywhere which are over the top amazing (especially in Brooklyn Heights where many homeowners pay for professional decorators to take care of their Xmas lights & displays), eating Christmas dinner at the famous Tavern on the Green in Central Park, and visiting some of the interesting out of the way districts and landmark sights. I also have to give a special mention to our favourite haven from the madness – Speedy’s Deli on Broadway which offers gorgeous food, great coffee and lovely staff 24 hours a day. Midtown Manhattan made London look like a sleepy village #lovenewyork

Anyway…. back to Valentines Day.

There is no holiday like Valentines Day that gives you a better excuse to splurge a little on some gorgeous pieces of lingerie. You don’t have to break the bank, just a few well chosen items can boost your confidence and / or turn up the heat in the bedroom. Whether you are buying purely for yourself or with your partner in mind, choose styles and colours that flatter your colouring and shape.

‘When life gives you curves, flaunt them’

Whatever your size, height or particular style, nowadays there is a huge choice of well fitting lingerie and hosiery available. Here are our 5 top picks which combine figure flattering with super sexy.

Another deep 6 strap which is very flattering for any less than perfect hips with satin front panel, mesh side panels and lace the back and sides with two pretty bows to the front suspender straps.

Sexy stockings especially designed for plus size ladies. The range includes both stockings and holdups with lace or plain tops, with or without seams. Available in red, black, white or nude in sizes up to a UK 32. Prices from £8.50

Not the cheapest when it comes to stockings, but the price is more than made up for in super sexy styles and quality. These 3 styles are part of the Ballerina range of holdups, priced at £13.95. Holdup/stay-up stockings

Finally, if you over-indulged over the Christmas period and still carry a few extra pounds, it’s easily disguised with a girdle or corselette. Paired with seamed stockings and heels, you will definitely bowl him over this Valentines Day. Corselette in sizes 8-18 in black, red or white £43.99, Girdle with 8 or 10 straps in sizes 10-24 from £30.99 Check out our shapewear pages

‘Always wear your best lingerie, life is too short to leave it for a special occasion’

Recommended by Swanky Pins

This week we're going with sexy red and loving these Leg Avenue nude and red cuban heeled heart seam stockings which we recommend teaming with this gorgeous red suspender belt. Both styles also come in black if red's just not for you :)